The artwork titled “Mrs. John Murray (Lucretia Chandler)” is an oil on canvas painting crafted by the artist John Singleton Copley in 1763. With dimensions of 99.7 x 125.1 cm, this portrait is recognized as part of the Neoclassical art movement, a period marked by an interest in classical art and culture.
In the artwork, Mrs. John Murray is depicted with an air of genteel refinement that befits her social standing. The artist has captured her with a calm and composed demeanor as she rests her arm on a stone pedestal. The choice of attire, a luxurious mustard-hued dress with detailed lace sleeves and neckline, underscores the elegance and attention to finery typical of portraiture of the time. The background suggests a pastoral setting, with a hint of a landscape featuring foliage and an urn, thus placing the subject within an idyllic, possibly symbolic environment. The execution of the piece, with its meticulous attention to the fine textures of fabric and flesh, is indicative of Copley’s skill and the attributes associated with the Neoclassical style.
